The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[NYRhockey]

I don't think you could get Imola on a non-ZHP, but someone else can verify that.

that is/was my fear, as it will make my search that much harder.

Going to look around locally at scrap yards but will also call BMW on Monday to see if they can also get it. I don't want to drive around without a mirror cap too long.

[Stewbie]

Strut tower reinforcement plates installed. Surprisingly easy job. Turns out I had to disconnect the sway bay link as the control arm wouldn't drop low enough to slip the plate on top if I didn't. Thanks for the comments above!

[ELCID86]

Strut tower reinforcement plates installed. Surprisingly easy job. Turns out I had to disconnect the sway bay link as the control arm wouldn't drop low enough to slip the plate on top if I didn't. Thanks for the comments above!

That's what I was trying to remember (hey I'll be 52 in a few weeks...). Good work.


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"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

[mynamenumber]

Hope you all don't think I'm taking too much advantage of the "random questions" thread here, but as a new and first-time ZHP owner, I have a bunch of new-year-questions:

1)
Is this little "nubbin" on the side of the brake fluid container normal? Why is it there, if so? It just reminds me of those plastic straws with honey in them...



2)
I assume it's related to gas but what's this little green thing in the right side of the trunk?



3)
Some of the rubber exterior molding has this permanent wet/dry look - maybe some of the original coating has flaked off? Is there any treatment to clean up the look of this?



4)
Should the heat buffer under the hood sag this much, or can something be done (those tabs don't just stick back in where the should), or should I replace it?





5)
Are these headlights OEM? My VIN says it shipped with (522 Xenon Light Xenon-licht). Any ideas on what brand the aftermarket Angel Eyes are? Anything I can do to tell? I believe the rear lights are "Eagle Eye" brand LEDs, so wouldn't be surprised if the PO replaced all or just some.





6)
The paint on the car is in good shape, except this spot on the bumper, which is pretty damn rough. Any ideas on the best thing to do here? Is this a replacement situation, or can it easily be fixed / refinished? It appears undamaged, just paint cracks / scrapes / chip-outs.



7)
Do you all just use a shop-vac or something to clean this area near the hood hinge? Both sides are filled with a nice inch or so of rotted leaves and dirt...



8)
Turn signals are permanently foggy, since I got it. Thoughts on what to do? Can I pull them apart and dry them, or is it more complicated than that?



9)
Possibly related to the above, should this rubber trim be replaced? Also, the light lenses are due for a clean / replacement. Any advice? Do I need to know the brand first, or is that not relevant to the fronts?



10)
What are these odd brown drips inside the empty box under the hood? Clean or leave them?



11)
WTF is this odd screw thread protruding from the front left strut tower? I don't see the same on the right.



12)
Does this plastic cap fill this hole in the trunk wall, facing the back seats? It doesn't stay in there. Why is there a hole there in the first place?





OK, that many questions probably pushes the limits of good taste, but thanks for any insights!

[danewilson77]

1. Not sure.

2. It'll allow you to open the gas door from your trunk.

3. Mothers back to black or replace it.

4. May have to replace anchor screws, or remove the liner entirely.

5. Probably OEM lights with Weiss Weisslicht A/E's.

6. Body shop for respray.

7. Yes. Brush and shop vac.

8. You'll need to buy new corners. Gaskets/seals are permanent to housing and cannot be replaced.

9. Replace both side gaskets.

10. Leave them or remove. Most here have them. I think it's residue left over from South Dakota deadening material install?

11. It just a piece left over from manufacturing I believe. Someone else confirm.

12. Unsure.

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[mynamenumber]

1. Not sure.

2. It'll allow you to open the gas door from your trunk.

3. Mothers back to black or replace it.

4. May have to replace anchor screws, or remove the liner entirely.

5. Probably OEM lights with Weiss Weisslicht A/E's.

6. Body shop for respray.

7. Yes. Brush and shop vac.

8. You'll need to buy new corners. Gaskets/seals are permanent to housing and cannot be replaced.

9. Replace both side gaskets.

10. Leave them or remove. Most here have them. I think it's residue left over from South Dakota deadening material install?

11. It just a piece left over from manufacturing I believe. Someone else confirm.

12. Unsure.

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WOW thanks reading and for the epic answers.


For #9, do you have any part number or replacement dealer recommendations for the headlight gaskets? And for the headlight lenses as well?

Actually, same question for the side indicators. I like the white / clear look rather than the yellow, but totally open to any input.


So, I'll get the shop vac and back to black out, stop by a respray shop, and buy some headlight parts, and should be all set (for now, right?) (!!)

[danewilson77]

Sounds good. I don't remember. Coupe or sedan?

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[mynamenumber]

Sedan.

Oh, and I should have mentioned - the angel eyes are capable of both white AND yellow color. They are currently wired wrong, such that the yellow never happens, and also so the white AEs blink along with the turn signal (looks silly). I'll need to fix that - wondering the brand so I can get to work on that fix.

Thanks again!

[wsmeyer]

1. If you had a manual it would feed the clutch slave cylinder.

11. It's there just to jack up your hand every time you mess with the airbox. Either that or some other country has something attached to it.

[ELCID86]

11. It's there just to jack up your hand every time you mess with the airbox. Either that or some other country has something attached to it.

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"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member